Chemical Engineer

Sr. Chemical Process Engineer

Job Description

The Sr. Chemical Process Engineer plays a key role in leading process optimization and capital improvement projects while providing technical support to day-to-day plant operations in a hands-on manufacturing environment. This position suits an engineer who enjoys working directly in the plant, solving complex process challenges, working with hazardous chemicals, and managing projects from concept through implementation. The role offers broad responsibility in a smaller plant setting where engineers wear many hats and have a direct impact on plant performance, safety, and future growth initiatives, with strong visibility and ownership across operations, process optimization, and capital projects.

Responsibilities

• Lead process improvement initiatives that enhance safety, reliability, throughput, product quality, and cost efficiency.
• Support daily manufacturing operations by identifying, troubleshooting, and resolving process-related issues in a timely manner.
• Perform heat and material balance calculations to evaluate existing processes and support new process development.
• Evaluate and optimize process equipment such as pumps, vessels, piping systems, heat exchangers, and other plant assets to improve performance and reliability.
• Support operations in a Process Safety Management (PSM) regulated environment and participate in safety reviews, hazard analyses, and compliance activities.
• Develop, update, and maintain process flow diagrams (PFDs), P&IDs, operating procedures, and other engineering documentation.
• Collaborate closely with operations, maintenance, electrical and instrumentation teams, contractors, and vendors to implement process improvements and resolve plant issues.
• Manage capital projects ranging from equipment upgrades to plant expansion initiatives, ensuring alignment with operational and safety goals.
• Lead projects from concept development, scope definition, and budgeting through installation, commissioning, startup, and handover to operations.
• Assist with equipment specification, vendor selection, contractor coordination, and overall project execution to meet technical, schedule, and budget requirements.
• Participate in troubleshooting activities during plant startups, shutdowns, and turnarounds to ensure safe and efficient operations.
• Evaluate and recommend improvements to process automation, instrumentation, and control systems to enhance process stability and performance.
• Track project schedules, budgets, risks, and deliverables using project management tools and methodologies.
• Support operational excellence initiatives by leveraging data analysis and emerging technologies, including AI-driven tools where appropriate, to improve engineering productivity and project outcomes.
• Communicate technical concepts and recommendations clearly to both engineering and operations teams to support effective decision-making and implementation.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor's Degree in Chemical Engineering (required).
• 7-10+ years of plant-based chemical or process engineering experience within a manufacturing or production environment.
• Demonstrated experience in both process engineering and project engineering roles.
• Experience working in a Process Safety Management (PSM) or hazardous chemical environment.
• Proven experience managing capital projects valued at $100K or more from concept through startup and completion.
• Strong chemical engineering fundamentals, including heat transfer, material and energy balances, fluid flow and pressure drop calculations, and process calculations.
• Experience with process equipment sizing and selection, including pumps, vessels, piping systems, heat exchangers, and related unit operations.
• Knowledge of distillation, separations, and other core unit operations.
• Experience supporting plant operations and troubleshooting process issues in a hands-on environment.
• Ability to communicate technical concepts clearly and effectively to both engineering and operations personnel.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office products for analysis, reporting, and project documentation.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• PMP certification is a plus.
• Experience within chemical manufacturing, industrial chemicals, food and beverage processing, specialty chemicals, refining, or similar process industries.
• Experience with AutoCAD and updating process drawings.
• Familiarity with process flow diagrams (PFDs) and piping and instrumentation diagrams (P&IDs).
• Experience with instrumentation and control systems in a process environment.
• Knowledge of process simulations and process modeling software.
• Exposure to AI tools used to improve engineering productivity and project execution.
• Experience in continuous improvement, process optimization, and root cause analysis.
• Experience with vendor management and coordination of contractors for capital projects.

Work Environment

This role is based in a manufacturing plant environment that supports chemical production operations within a Process Safety Management (PSM) framework. The Sr. Chemical Process Engineer spends a significant amount of time on the plant floor working alongside operations, maintenance, electrical and instrumentation teams, contractors, and leadership to troubleshoot issues, implement improvements, and support capital projects. The position is highly hands-on, with engineers expected to be visible in the plant, take ownership of projects and processes, and contribute across multiple areas of the operation. Safety, collaboration, and continuous improvement are central to the culture, and the environment offers the opportunity to see the direct impact of engineering decisions on plant performance, reliability, and growth.

Job Type & Location

This is a Permanent position based out of West Memphis, AR.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $130000.00 - $162000.00/yr.

yes an overview can be provided

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in West Memphis,AR.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Jul 27, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.